A sense of irony when the maker of the world's purist sports car has to make a purist sports car for the purist sports car market...

Story Updated post 8pm news Embargo.

When Porsche releases a new GT3 model there’s an expectation that it will be more hardcore, more focused and faster; the regular GT3 is followed by the GT3 RS, and so on. But Porsche has bucked the trend at this year’s Frankfurt motor show and unveiled the 911 GT3 Touring; a sleek and more elegant version of the 991.2 GT3 that first made its appearance earlier this year in Geneva. The new car will cost £111,802, the same as a GT3.

The most significant distinction between the GT3 Touring and the regular car is its lack of fixed rear wing. Instead, like the 911R from last year and conventional Carrera models, the Touring has a hidden spoiler that can rise and lower automatically. It’s not the exact same item found on lesser 911s, the new version has a gurney flap on its trailing edge to increase its aerodynamic efficiency. Atop the decklid is a plaque that reads GT3 Touring along with a new mesh grille, too.

Like the 911R, the Touring borrows the wider bodywork, rear bumper and 20-inch forged wheels from its contemporary GT3. Mechanically, the Touring is identical to the GT3 and is powered by the same naturally aspirated 4-litre flat-six that puts out 493bhp and 347lb ft of torque. Importantly, it still revs to 9000rpm. However, the Touring is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox – the seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission is left for the track-ready GT3.

Without the aid of super-fast automatic gear changes, the Touring accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 3.9sec; the exact same time as the manual GT3. But, despite not having a big rear wing to create drag, the Touring can’t match the standard manual GT3’s top speed of 198mph. Instead it tops out at 196mph.

A GT3 with added rear seats and no massive spoiler? Love it. It's the only car I'd swap my car for. If i could get an allocation...
and scrape the money together

tom_nietoSilverstone

Joined: 08 Jan 2017Posts: 122

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2017 7:12 pm Post subject:

Apparently it's not a limited edition one, so presumably any old Tom Dick or Harry could get on the waiting list.

Niall996Imola

Joined: 07 Nov 2010Posts: 831Location: Paris

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2017 7:16 pm Post subject:

Awesome car, no doubt. It just seems odd though, a GT3 without an aerokit.

CameoNewbie

Joined: 27 Dec 2015Posts: 40Location: South Coast

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2017 7:17 pm Post subject:

Apparently it's still only a two seater. Arse.

DRZ911Suzuka

Joined: 13 Mar 2013Posts: 1226Location: Belfast

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2017 8:15 pm Post subject:

Interesting cross-over in many respects - somewhere between a 911R and a GT3. But not sure what gap in the market that this car actually satisfies.

Personally, for the same money (if my dealer would sell me one!!!!) I would have the standard GT3 because it is so iconic. So it will be interesting to see who buys a GT3 TP. _________________991 Gen 1 C4S PDK Carrara White
Yamaha R1 and BMW R100RS

isysmanZolder

Joined: 22 Apr 2011Posts: 5523Location: Cheshire

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2017 9:45 pm Post subject:

Surely 911R residuals will fall!

If it's not limited then I'm sure it will be popular. Can't imagine it will be unlimited in numbers though._________________911 GT2RS Build
987 Boxster S 3.4

if only this had 4 seats!!! then would consider selling the house & the mrs to be able to afford one

as it stands...what's the point? although it is confirmed on 'the other forum' as just an option so suppose it's more stealth than the standard brash GT3, if that's your thing and you want THAT engine_________________current: 993 carrera coupe, manual, iris blue
ex 964 c4
ex 993 carrera cab

HSC911Estoril

Joined: 23 Jul 2014Posts: 3652Location: Bedford

Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2017 12:57 pm Post subject:

Looks like a 911 crossed with a Lambo front and Sally Carrera:

jotakingNürburgring

Joined: 01 Jun 2012Posts: 412

Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2017 12:59 pm Post subject:

tom_nieto wrote:

Apparently it's not a limited edition one, so presumably any old Tom Dick or Harry could get on the waiting list.

This isn't a new model line and won't be available to "riff raff"

It's an option for the GT3, therefore only available to people with a GT3 slot with builds for next year!

I suspected it wouldn't be that easy.

I do wonder who would compromise on the GT3 goodness for a watered down version?

I like it, but all that it actually is amounts to a no-cost option to delete the rear spoiler on a non-Clubsport manual 991.2 GT3. [People paying attention will also be aware that deleting the rear wing for a standard GTS rear deck was something that has been done aftermarket to the 991.1 GT3 by owners in the past, so this is far from a revolution].

The market of it is consequently pretty big as frankly quite a lot of GT3 buyers have no real interest in the track. So frankly, it is just a fairly sensible option for the GT3 for those who are able to secure build slots._________________Colin

Black 997 GT3 3.8 CS - Acquired for the 2012 season and beyond
Black 996 GT3 Mk2 - Gone, but will never be forgotten

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